Senate allows visitors but still under heightened security

MANILA, Philippines – Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian announced on Monday that visitors are allowed to enter the Senate once again, amid heightened security.

The Senate has been under heightened security alert since June 4 when a supposed threat to the chamber was reported.

Under the alert, visitors were initially barred from entering the premises of the Senate.

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“The Senate will now allow the entry of visitors, in accordance with the Visitor Management System (VMS) implemented by the OSAA (Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms),” Gatchalian said in a video statement.

“This includes continuous inspection of entrances, showing proper identification, patrolling the Senate premises, and other measures to ensure everyone’s safety,” he added.

VMS is an online registration system that permits non-employees to enter the Senate premises upon approval of the office they are visiting.

With the chamber still in heightened alert, the Senate will continue constant coordination with several law enforcement and security agencies.

“Our goal is clear: to ensure the safety of senators, staff, media, visitors to the Senate, and the public,” Gatchalian further said. /mr